News & Information
Owning a Classic Car but Not Driving It
The Art and Philosophy of Preserving Automotive Heritage
To own a classic car is to possess a piece of rolling history—an artifact shaped by the hands, minds, and imaginations of a previous era. But what if that classic never graces the open road, never echoes its engine notes between city blocks or under green canopies, but remains instead as a cherished spectacle in one’s garage or showroom? The practice of owning a classic car without driving it is a nuanced intersection of passion, preservation, and philosophy. This essay explores the motivations, responsibilities, and joys that come with this distinctive approach to classic car ownership.
The Motivation Behind-Non-Driving-Ownership
For many, the allure of a classic car is intertwined with the romance of driving—feeling the vibrations of an old straight-six, the effortful shift of a manual gearbox, the thrill of retro speedometers. Yet, a significant number of collectors and enthusiasts choose not to drive their vintage vehicles. Their motivations are rarely rooted in indifference; instead, they stem from a profound respect for history, an investment mindset, or a desire to preserve the car's unique character.
• Preservation of Originality: Driving inevitably leads to wear and tear. For vehicles that are in original, unrestored condition, every mile marks a departure from their factory state. Enthusiasts argue that these cars are time capsules, and their value—historical, aesthetic, and financial—increases if they remain untouched by modern roads.
• Investment Value: The classic car market treats mileage and originality with the reverence of rare art. Cars that have not been driven, or have extraordinarily low mileage, often command higher prices at auctions. For certain owners, their classic car is a portfolio asset, and like a painting, its value is tied to its preservation.
• Cultural and Emotional Value: Some classic cars have familial or cultural stories woven into their upholstery and dashboard dials. Owners may choose to preserve the vehicle as a tribute to a loved one or to honor a chapter in their cultural heritage.
Legal and Practical Constraints: In some regions, emissions regulations, insurance restrictions, or the lack of available parts render classic cars impractical for regular use on public roads. Owners may simply find themselves unable, rather than unwilling, to drive their cherished vehicles.
The Art of Display and Conservation
Cars are kinetic sculptures—meant to move, to live amidst the wind and sun. Yet, the act of displaying a classic car sans motoring is its own form of reverence. Owners often transform their storage spaces into shrines: spotless garages, temperature-controlled showrooms, or even custom-built glass enclosures that elevate the car to the level of fine art.
• Atmosphere Control: Maintaining a classic car’s condition often means controlling humidity, temperature, and light exposure. The right environment can prevent rust, fading, and the slow decay of rubber and leather components.
• Attention to Detail: Even if a car is not driven, it benefits from routine cleaning, gentle mechanical exercise (such as turning the engine over or rolling the wheels), and periodic inspections to ward off time’s inevitable effects.
• Sharing Beauty: Some owners open their collections to the public, participating in exhibitions, concours d’elegance, or lending their vehicles for movie shoots and historical displays. In this way, the car continues to delight and educate, even without the cadence of a running engine.
The Emotional Experience
To many, the idea of owning a car that is never driven seems paradoxical. After all, cars are engineered to move, to transport, to enable. However, there exists a profound joy in simply being the steward of a classic car’s story. The owner becomes a guardian of memory, a link in the chain of automotive heritage.
• The Joy of Anticipation: There is a unique delight in knowing that the car could run, that its potential remains intact beneath sheet metal and enamel. The untouched odometer and the pristine interior are testaments to possibility.
• Quiet Moments of Appreciation: The simple act of sitting beside a classic car, tracing the lines of its fenders, and breathing in the faint aroma of aged leather can be meditative. The vehicle becomes more than a tool—it becomes a companion in memory and imagination.
• Storytelling and Legacy: Each classic car carries stories—of engineering triumphs, of historical context, of previous owners’ escapades. Sharing these tales with friends, family, or fellow enthusiasts is an enduring pleasure, independent of driving.
The Controversy: Preservation vs. Use
This philosophy is not without its critics. Some argue that denying a classic car the road is akin to never reading a rare book or never playing a fine instrument. They contend that cars are meant to move, to be heard and felt, and that static preservation denies the full realization of a car’s purpose.
Yet, others counter that the ultimate value of a classic vehicle lies in its ability to transport us—not just across miles, but through time. The act of preservation is its own form of engagement, a way of honoring craftsmanship and history for future generations.
Practical Considerations and Responsibilities
Owning a “garage queen” comes with unique responsibilities. Even in stasis, classic cars require vigilant caretaking to prevent deterioration.
• Mechanical Maintenance: Fluids must be changed, rubber and plastic parts checked for drying or cracking, and systems exercised gently to keep them from seizing.
• Documentation: Provenance, service history, and original paperwork should be preserved and organized. These documents are as vital as the car itself in maintaining value and authenticity.
• Insurance and Legal Matters: Specialty insurance is often required, and in some jurisdictions, cars that are not driven must be registered as “off-road” or “display only.” Owners should ensure compliance with all relevant laws and regulations.
Conclusion: A Living Legacy
Owning a classic car without driving it is an act of curation as much as possession. It reflects a philosophy that values preservation alongside passion, history alongside horsepower. The non-driving owner is not less of an enthusiast, but rather a different species—one who finds meaning in stewardship, in the quiet glow of chrome beneath soft lighting, and in knowing that, preserved today, the classic car will inspire awe and wonder for generations yet to come.
In the end, whether roaring down an open road or resting in a sunlit garage, the classic car remains a bridge to a golden age—a living legacy, cherished in its own way.
Welcome to the 3rd Quarter Newsletter.
July 2025
We lost another member since the last newsletter. Lon Olson of Des Lacs past away.
The Magic City Car and Trade Show went well. The Magic Place at the fairgrounds
was filled with cars, vendors and the RC Cars track. The Dakota Cruisers did well with
memberships, raffle ticket sales and clothing.
On April 19th we had our first cruise of the season to Carpio.
We went to the Des Lacs Valley Toy Museum. WOW! what a place, filled with all
types of toys, mostly farm related. Pete, one of the curators that showed us around
said they have over 10,000 toys in the building. There was about 20 of us that had a
beautiful day to cruise there. It's a free will donation to see it and the club made a
donation to them also.
June 8th we went to Rugby for their Rhubarb festival and car show at their museum.
The 2 of us that cruised there had a good time, 2 other members showed up later in
the day. Weather was a bit cool and one rain shower around 2PM but lots of
buildings to be in and they had music and lots of good food. They had 62 really nice
cars turn out for the event.
Motor Magic and Season Finale will be here before we know it. Both will need lots
of help to make them successful!
Contact Bruce Chapman or Blaine Klein to help with Motor Magic.
Setup Friday.
Work admission table.
Work Model car show.
Raffle ticket sales.
Clothing sales.
Season Finale will need help also. Contact Michael Nelson, Gene Tague
or Mike Enslin to help. Plan on signing up to help or Season Finale will go
away. We changed to Friday night and Saturday only this year due to
lack of help from our membership. The following are areas that will need
help.
Registration both days.
Raffle ticket Sales both days.
Friday night Activities at Moose Lodge.
Set up car show at Pioneer Museum on Saturday morning.
Saturday activities at Museum.
Bus tour guides for garage tours.
Shuttle bus driver to mall?
Saturday night meal and awards setup at Bones event center.
There is a Finale flier included in this Newsletter.
If you want the newsletter to continue we need info from members.
Presidents Message
Well, here it is June already. I can't believe it, but here it is. I can't believe how many small towns
and even larger towns have car and truck and motorcycle events. I can't almost keep up with the
dates and times and events. MAFB car show/open house, Sherwood, Devils Run, 4 Bears, and on
and on!!! Please check the club web site at: www.dakotacruisers.org and decide which one or
more of the shows/events you can attend.
The first Wednesday in July, July 2nd we will be having the club meeting in Burlington at Old
Settlers Park. Same as the Surrey event. We'll try and eat at 6 or so. Bring your lawn
chairs. Catered by "The Big Dog Saloon". Cost is only $8 per person. Come and enjoy. July
2nd! (First Wednesday in July!!).
Actually, my hat is off to any small town that puts on a show or event to have everyone enjoy. We
all know what it takes. As a matter of fact, we can get to enjoy these shows by just driving our
classics to their towns. Then we kick into gear: Motor Magic and then the Season Finale. Fun
times ahead. Each are taking different turns and will be fun times for all of us. Even if you
volunteer to help somewhere, this is what makes this club neat...the help we get to pull off these
two great events!
Raffle tickets are selling like hot cakes! Only $1 each. Easy sell for everyone! And for $10, you
get 11 tickets. A great deal. We did our early Bird drawing at U-Haul on Wednesday, June
4th. The winning ticket was pulled by Jarrod Nelson with 3 Club officers there. Winner: Mr. Ron
Patten of Minot. Thanks to The Minot Automotive Company for supplying this Automotive Detail
coupon! And thanks to all who have bought tickets so far and keep going!
Continued prayers for all of the members of this great club. Some spouses have lost love ones,
some have health issues, and -- well, just keep all members and their family members in the prayer
chain. Thank you.
I hope to see a lot of you on the 2nd of July in Burlington. Should be a fun evening. Rain or
shine. Bring a lawn chair!!
Thanks to our business members for their continued support. It really helps with our activities
throughout the year.
Keep in mind, please, no alcohol will be allowed at The Moose Club for our monthly meetings. At
least, none in the meeting/dining room. Only in the bar area, and only for Moose Club
members. We'll keep announcing this, but please help here. If anyone brings alcohol into the
dining room, there is a $169.00 fee charged to the cruisers.
Anyway, let's enjoy the summer and get those cars out and drive them. That's what they are for!
George Masters,
President
Dakota Cruisers
Calender of Events:
July 12th Mohall car show
July 16th Wings and Wheels, Dakota Territory Air Museum 6PM
July 18th-20th Street Machine Nationals St Paul MN
July 19th State Fair Parade
Aug.1-3 Western Canadian Nationals, Brandon MB
Aug. 2-3 Pioneer Village Museum Minot car show
Aug.9 Car Show Garrison
Aug. 16 Car Show Carson ND
Aug. 29-31 Motor Magic
Sept. 12-13 Season Finale
Club Officers & Board Members
President George Masters
Vice President Michael Nelson
Treasurer Dave Alberts
Secretary Tina Chapman
Board Member Dennis Zieman
Board Member Bruce Chapman
Board Member Jason Bratvold
Board Member Blaine Klein
Board Member Gene Tague
Email- [email protected]
Facebook- Dakota Cruisers Car Club
Website-www.dakotacruisers.org
Hotline-701-852-KARS (5277)
BUSINESS MEMBERS
Please support our Business members
Aardahl Insurance Agency,
State Farm, 2151 36th Ave SW Minot 839-3436
AutoValue, 1539 S. Broadway, Minot, 701-852-0511
Big O Tires 701 21st Ave SE Minot ND 701-578-8844
Buffalo Wild Wings, 3820 S. Broadway, Minot, 701-838-9464
C&R Radiator, 2112 E. Sweet Ave, Bismarck, 701-223-0585
Farmers Union Insurance, 701 3rd St NE, Minot, 701-852-4061
Funtyme DJ, 18 Harmony Blvd, Surrey, 701,721,0621
Hacienda Restaurant, 135 Colton Ave, Burlington, 701-838-7099
Harry's Tire, 1604 20th Ave SE, Minot, 701-838-1823
Jerry's Repair & Alignment, 1306 1st St SW, Minot, 701-852-0332
LFS Elite 111 45th Ave NE Ste D, Minot, 701-818-9694
Magic City Auto & Truck Repair, 406 20th St SE, Minot, 701-852-2589
Masters Auctions, PO Box 215 Minot 701-227-0746
Master Restorations, 2500 20th Ave SE, Minot, 701-240-6771
Mi Mexico, 3816 S. Broadway, Minot, 701-858-0777
Minot Automotive 3615 S. Broadway Minot 701-852-0151
Minot Welding, 915 30th St NW, Minot, 701-838-0513
North Country Sportswear, 5320 N. Broadway, Minot
North Velocity Repair, 300 30th Ave NW #N, Minot 701-240-3529
NW Tire, 1500 20th Ave SE, Minot, 701-852-3308
Paul Siebert Financial & Insurance, 1125 N Broadway, Minot, 701-833-
9086
Ryan Chevrolet, 1800 S Broadway Minot 701-852-3571
The Remote Start Guy, 3108 Willow Lane SE Minot 701-500-5196
The Muffler Shop, 725 20th Ave SE, Minot, 701-852-7473